This very high condition Colt Model 1860 Army was manufactured Dec 6th 1862 to fill a U.S. contract during the American Civil War, but likely remained unissued. The included factory letter verifies the caliber, barrel length, finish, stocks and that is was shipped to US War Dept. Major R A Wainwright, NY Arsenal Governor's Island, NY. It has the standard markings and features, including various single letter inspection marks, matching visible serial numbers, and "PVBH" (P.V.B. Havens) and "JT" (John Taylor) cartouches on the grip. The revolver is accompanied by a replacement shoulder stock numbered "33081" that was part of a 1000 piece contract sent to Kentucky. Its serial number is on the lower tang and buttplate tang. Included is an extra hammer and spring, a blued Colt ball/bullet mold, a "COLTS/PATENT" marked flask with sloped charger, a cartridge pack, an L-shaped combination tool, and a W. & C. Eley cap tin in a later period fitted case. The shoulder stock's serial number dates to 1862 and is listed in an order of 60 Army revolvers with shoulder stocks sent to Kentucky (copy of ledger included). The stock does not have any inspection marks or cartouches. The consignor information theorizes that these sets may have been assembled just following the Civil War when Colt revolvers and the unissued shoulder stocks were being sold as surplus.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original blue finish on the barrel and back strap, mostly faded and attractively toned finish on the cylinder which displays a crisp cylinder scene, attractive aged patina on the brass trigger guard, and 90% original bright case colors on the frame, hammer, and loading lever. The grip is very fine and has a few small flakes at the lower edges, crisp cartouches, and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The refinished shoulder stock is very good with artificially aged patina visible on the brass and minimal light handling and storage marks on the wood. The other accessories are very good with minor age and storage related wear. The relined case is very good and has some repaired cracks in the lid, small pieces of the raised interior edge absent, and general minor storage wear. Overall, this is a very attractive cased set with a high condition Civil War U.S. contract Colt Model 1860 Army revolver.